Korean Drama: Scent of a Woman

I'm a Kdrama addict. Before. It's just that, sometimes, I realize that every other Korean drama has the same plot. Plus, the fact that several new artists, (from Kpop) whom I'm not really familiar with, have the same faces which doesn't help at all. More often than not, I stick with the 'veterans' if you can call them that. LOL.

Scent of a Woman is the usual 16-episode comedy romance drama with the protagonist, Lee Yeon Jae (played by Kim Sun Ah), diagnosed with cancer and given more or less 6 months to live. She abandoned her low-paying work and spent her savings to travel. I know, the plot is kind of 'generic'. But if you watched Queen Latifah's 'The Last Holiday', you'll like the drama in the first few episodes.

Kim Sun Ah

But of course, the story wouldn't be complete with the handsome prince charming. LOL. There is Kang Ji Wook, played by Lee Dong Wook, with his red sports car to make every girl drool for him and make Lee Yeon Jae the envy of every other girl.

Lee Dong Wook flaunting his sexy abs

But still, my favorite character in this Kdrama is Lee Yeon Jae's mom played by Kim Song Joon who becomes rather unpredictable for the rest of the drama.

Overall, I recommend that you watch it too. :) And I'm pretty sure that this one's going to be aired here in the Philippines too with their Tagalog-subbed voices like Yoon Eun Hye's My Fair Lady in ABS CBN.

The Pros and Cons of Being an Online Freelance Writer

Okay, I know that it has been sometime since I've talked about online freelancing and money on this blog. Oh well, I can't help but feature what I'm hyped about for the moment.

If you've read the about me page and earlier posts on this blog, you'll know by now that I am an online freelancer. Mainly, my role in this Internet world is writing. Yep, I write about rice cookers, standing desks, foreign exchange, accounting software, Louis Vuitton bags, fashion, weight loss, diet pills, Android, and more.

All my jobs as of this time are from oDesk.




oDesk is platform for remote staffing for short-term and long-term work. It's the place where contractors and clients meet. However, as a freelancer, you're not obliged to call your clients "sir" or "ma'am". As a freelancer, you are treated as a professional who knows exactly what he or she is doing.




But so much for that. For those aspiring online freelancers, or those who want to earn extra, here are the pros and cons of online freelancing.

Pros:

• You can work whenever and wherever you want. Yes, you can choose which time of the day to work and where. You can work at home or in a cafe. In fact, you can even choose not to work.

• You can choose which jobs you can work on. You actually have the power to choose which projects to work on. For example, in my case, if I don't think I'm able to work for this particular time, I turn down the job. There are also times, rare times, when I turn down a writing gig just because I don't like the topic. On the other hand, you can also choose to apply only on jobs that interest you.

• You are not a regular employee--you are a businessman in a sense. As a freelancer, you negotiate fees with your client. You don't treat him as a boss, because you are actually your own boss.

• You can negotiate fees with your client. You can ask for a price or fee that you think is the real value for your work. You'll never be stuck with the same fee. It's because as a freelancer you are just not paid for your work, you are actually being paid for the experience you've already acquired in the past.

• You work for clients around the world. This means that you have a larger market for your talent. Likewise, even if you're here in the Philippines, you can earn dollars.

Cons:

• You have to be disciplined. Since you own your time, you have to 'budget' it wisely. For example, since I'm still studying, I have to stretch 24 hours in a day to do everything that needs to be done. Otherwise, I might fail my subjects or lose a valuable contract.

• There are some clients that are not easy to deal with--I know, because I've had one. You need to be patient. And even if the client seems to be crossing boundaries, you have to keep your calm and just end the contract. It's no use dealing with someone who cannot appreciate your talents and works.

• You have to bear with banking fees and payment periods. Since I'm working online and receiving money from the other end of the world, processing payments usually takes time and a lot of fees, particularly if you are withdrawing a good sum.

• You don't have benefits. If you're working traditionally, I mean in an office, you usually receive salary and benefits. However, if you're working online, you don't really receive them. In my opinion, this can be offset if you're like earning big already.

• There is no stable job. If you are looking for stability in freelancing, well, I can't guarantee you with it. But surely, if you prove yourself in your chosen field and seek for jobs, you'll always have clients.

In my point of view, these are the pros and cons of online freelancing. I've been working part-time in this industry for a year now and earning, let's say, a full-time salary (if I have enough writing gigs).

Review: Etude House Oh~ m'Eye Line 02 Gray

Okay, so I thought maybe it was high time that I made a review from the products I bought from Etude House during the Grand Sale.

I didn't want to create reviews immediately because I believed that first impressions didn't always last. It does not only apply to people, but also for products, except of course, for food and its taste. :)

Etude House Vita Foam Mine Bite Me P148
Etude House Oh~m'Eye Line 02 Gray P198
Etude House Yogurt Peel with Black Food Mix

I bought the Etude House Oh~ m'Eye Line 02 Gray. It was my first time using a liquid eyeliner, though when I usually browse YouTube, I always saw those make-up artists using this one. And I was like--wow! LOL. But it's true. :P

At first, I was really happy with this liquid eyeliner. (probably it's because my first one) I thought that I could easily create and was really creating a fine line. But then, after using it a couple of weeks, I was slowly getting disappointed. With that, I'll start with the cons.

Cons:

1. I found the brush tip thin enough but too long and could be hard to control and tacky to use. I was a newbie here as you know and was really not used to it. I was also thinking that a short brush tip could be better and easier to control. Nevertheless, I think that it could still create a decent line if you're 'semi-used' to lining your eyes.

2. The bottle could get really messy. After a couple of uses, I already saw dry eyeliner piled up on the rim or mouth of the bottle. I always cleaned it, but then the next day I saw the same mess again. I think the bottle should not be put in your kikay kit and carried around to avoid this.

3. If you're using eyeliner like everyday, I think the bottle won't last for a while because of the piled up mess.

4. The packaging is quite cheap. (But of course, what can you expect with this price?) The word 'Oh M'Eye Line' was already erased in my bottle.

Battered Liquid Eyeliner LOL.

Pros:

1. It's cheap! Compared to other Korean brand cosmetics, Php198 is already cheap.

2. It quickly dries. No need to wait for a minute or two.

3. It's waterproof. No need to worry about accidentally rubbing your eyes.

3. I like the dark metallic gray color. :)

Can I recommend?

Of course, but I guess, not for newbies like me. :) It would be better to choose a forgivable liquid eyeliner first to practice on before buying this one.

Will I repurchase?

Yes, but not now. I can repurchase it after like a year, or probably when I think I can already handle the long brush tip. Hehe. For now, I bought the Ever Bilena Dip Liner. I still haven't tried it but I'll be reviewing it some other time. :D

Shopping: Quality vs. Quantity

I know...shopping can be addicting. It really is addicting--that is, if you have the budget. But what would you buy? One or two quality items or more than five so-so items?

Probably, you've already heard about debates here. And some just do prefer to buy a few instead of several items for quality. On the other hand, there shoppers who buy several items at cheaper prices.

I've been in these two situations and been both shopper A and B.

I love shopping at tiangges because the prices are cheaper and you get to choose from several styles. I think, for P1,000, you can already get a whole outfit (e.g. P300 for bottoms, P300 for tops, P300 for shoes and P100 for accessories) for ladies.

Divisoria, Greenhills, St. Francis Shopping Square are just a few out of several places and tiangges where you can buy these items at relatively lower prices.

On the other side of wall, there are malls and boutiques that offer a top for around P1,000, a bottom for around P1,000 and shoes for around P1,000.

However, this does not mean that the 300-peso top you bought is of low quality and the 1000-peso top you bought is of high quality. Sometimes, it's only the brand.

Actually, quality vs. quantity is not an issue if you really look for value. Now, what do I mean here. I mean when you are looking for your stuffs, you have to consider both the price and quality and, of course, your needs.

It does not mean that just because it's a thousand-peso item that it's really worth your money. But of course, you also have to keep in mind that pricing is relative to quality. Manufacturers won't ask for a higher price if their costs in producing the item are not high.

In the end, I'd still recommend going to a sale of your trusted brands. This is a good time when you can buy quality items at lower prices, but that is, if you have the budget.

You can use your credit only if you think you can still pay for all your purchases. But if you really don't have the budget, don't try borrowing money. Just think that there are still several of these sale that will happen throughout the year.

Self-control is a precious ability that must be exercised. So...

Do you really need a smartphone? Do you already have lots of mascaras yet still want to buy one? How will you wear those shoes--everyday, once a week, once a month or once a year? Do you have the budget to buy all these?

Persia Grill - SM Megamall

We dined at Persia Grill in Megamall last May. And yes, I'm just blogging it now.

If you've been reading my previous posts, you probably already know by now that I'm really taking advantage of group buying and daily deal sites. You're guessing it correct! I bought a deal for Persia Grill from Groupon Philippines.

According to what I've read from Groupon, Persia Grill is a family-owned business by former PBB housemate Kian Kazemi. But anyway, that's not the reason why I tried eating in this restaurant. It's because I really like beef shawarma.

Some of my friends do not like shawarma and I don't know why. They haven't even tasted it. But they say it's with the smell. Probably, that's the onion.

If I remember it correctly, we watched a movie first (it's either Thor or Fast Five) then we went straight to Persia Grill to have dinner.

Persia Grill in Megamall is in Building A beside Kenny Rogers. Tip: Go out of the mall first. You'll find more restaurants outside.

I find the place quite cozy. It's small though and the big sofa seems to be misplaced. We honestly agreed that it should be near the door to serve as a comfy sofa for waiting customers in case the restaurant is already full.

The Big Sofa--it was just beside us when we were seated in the middle of the resto.

We were just the second customers that night, so we were accommodated immediately.

I ordered Grilled Lamb Chops with Dolmeh. I didn't really know what Dolmeh was and it wasn't my original order. My supposed order was Grilled Lamb Chops but the waitress told us that they didn't have it. So, how come they had Grilled Lamb Chops with Dolmeh? I was thinking that she was probably upselling. But I still gave in even though I didn't know what Dolmed was. I also ordered a Mango Yoghurt Shake (P85).

Grilled Lamb Chops with Dolmeh (P325)

The boyfriend originally ordered Chelo Kebab Barg (beef tenderloin) but the waitress gave her a Chelo Kebab Kobideh (ground beef). I asked him to let the waitress change her order but he said it was okay...so, okay. He also ordered a Strawberry Yoghurt Shake (P75).

Chelo Kebab Kobideh (P199)

At first, I was shocked to see a big green bell pepper swimming in a red sauce on my plate. I was like, "Oh no, what's this?!" But I was enlightened when I opened the bell pepper. It had Basmati rice (longer version of Filipino rice strands from the Middle East) inside. And it actually tasted good.

Not sure if what I ordered was good.

Basmati rice inside the Big Green Bell Pepper

Right after that, I was thinking if Dolmeh means bell pepper or stuffed bell pepper. Oh well, I don't really know up until now, though I've seen on the Internet that they call it Dolmeh when a vegetable or fruit is stuffed.

As for the boyfriend's plate, I tasted a bit of Chelo Kebab Kobideh (two skewers of beef kebab, two large tomatoes and Basmati rice). It tasted like beef naturally. I liked it with the yoghurt dip.

Poker Face. LOL. Joke.

While we were eating

The food in Persia Grill is good. But overall, I find it pricey because the servings are small. we'll Additionally, I'm only giving two stars out five for the service. The waitress probably needs more training.

But if I'm craving for Persian food and have the budget, I'll surely go back to Persia Grill. It's a must-try if you like shawarma.

On Cruelty to Animals

As I opened my FB account and browse the news feed, I saw a friend's post about a Jerzon Senador being an animal abuser.

I read the discussion on Paw Philippines and saw that this Jerzon Senador has hung his puppy in a clothesline. He even used five clothespins to do the trick.

And I really pity him for being proud of what he did.

Obviously, he took his puppy to bath and, probably, a silly idea that he thought would make him cool popped up from his shallow mind. He must've thought that it would be easier to hang his puppy dry in a clothesline.

Though what he did was not grave as what the cat killer Joseph Carlo Candare did, it's still inappropriate and can be called as animal abuse.

As I observed his Facebook page, he was not aware that he was already infamous for what he did more than an hour ago. But y'know, his popularity is rising fast. And I'm guessing that in a few days, he'll be as "popular" as Candare.

At first, he wasn't really sorry for what he did, but then again, he must've seen how "popular" he is right now and made an apology.

I hate animal abuse. And I love cats. In fact, we adopt a few cats and kittens in our home. And I'm quite agitated when one of our cats, the third cat that we fostered, died out of torture a few days ago.

This cat has not been staying in our home for months already, though we see her around the neighborhood often.

And we were surprised one day, last month, that she was at our door. She was really dirty.

She stayed here for a few days and was gone again. Just five days ago, she was here again, more dirty and less lively. She had only been sleeping at our doorstep, not moving.

My mom noticed some blood and checked her. I was told that her teeth were pulled out and so was her claws. I couldn't even look at her.

She died after a few hours because she couldn't eat.

Now, I'm wishing that her torturer would meet karma. I don't know him/her/them, but I know that they will pay for what they've done.

Freedom Day Weekend Sale and Freebies

In lieu with tomorrow's Independence Day, several malls and establishments are having a huge sale this weekend!

Participating SM Malls in Metro Manila, Cebu and more are having their Freedom Sale on June 10, 11 and 12. Shoppers can enjoy up to 50 percent discounts off on selected items. (See the list of participating SM Malls in EverythingInBudget.)

Alternatively, if you are a fan of branded stuffs, you can attend the Biggest Brands Sale at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2. Participating brands include Jag, Lee, Levi's, Paddocks, L'Oreal, Arrow, McJim, Accel, Canon, Siemens, Philips, Candie's and more! Enjoy a whooping of up to 80 percent on these branded items. The Biggest Brands Sale is ongoing on June 10-12.

Are you a movie fan? Well, you can enjoy FREE movies this weekend! You can even bring along your friends.

Nestle gives a FREE entrance on a short film anthology entitled 'Kasambuhay Habambuhay'. It is a collection of 10 short Nestle stories (10 minutes each) which are being starred by John Lloyd Cruz, Mr. Eddie Garcia, Marvin Agustin, Eugene Domingo, Ms. Gloria Romero, Sid Lucero, Noni Buencamino and more.

After watching the film, you will be asked to vote the story you liked most. On June 12, after all the votes have been casted, one lucky winner pf P10,000 will be drawn per cinema.

Screening is only happening at SM Megamall Cinema 3, SM Southmall Cinema 6, SM Rosales Cinema 1, SM Cebu Cinema 7 & SM Davao Cinema 1.


Not yet satisfied? You can also watch FREE French films at the French Film Festival in Shang Cineplex 4, Shangrila Plaza.


It is first come, first serve basis and tickets are issued one hour before the screening. The French Film Festival is ongoing from June 9 to June 19. (See the film showing schedule here.)

At last...hungry? Get a doughnut treat on June 12 from Go Nut Donuts! Just wear a yellow, red, or blue shirt and redeem your freebies.

PisoBid.com - Overview and Tips on How to Bid (Smartly)

I've already known about fast-paced online penny auctions before I've seen PisoBid.com--the first Philippine online penny auction site. As a matter of fact, I worked on the online and email content of one penny auction site based in the US. So technically, I know something about the rules of this kind of auction sites.

Penny auction sites are online bidding sites that offers items, usually gadgets such as iPad, iPhone, Sony Playstation, etc for pennies. Meaning, once you win an auction, you only need to pay for a dollar or two for the item that you've won. Really nice, eh?

Oh, but I forgot--you need to buy bids that you can use in the auctions.

Though I know several of these sites, all foreign, I've only tried bidding in PisoBid because: 1.) If I win, there'll be no hassles in shipping (because shipping fees are always shouldered by the buyer) and 2.) I've been given 10 free bids by this auction site.

In my humble opinion, I think these penny auction sites are really addicting. Why? Because of the fast-paced environment, your eagerness to win (fabulous) items is increased. You might not even notice that your bid credits have already run out because the 20-second timer really ticks fast. Plus, you can get to pay only PHP5 for a PHP1,000 peso Globe load or maybe even less depending on the winning price.

And probably because it really is addicting, there are already hundreds of people who have purchased 1000's of bids from PisoBid to join the auctions. But of course, isn't it fun?

Additionally, I'm thinking that this is similar to gambling--though of course, not totally. It is similar in the sense that everyone wants to win badly. In fact, they'll buy n bids just so that they can win.

And mind you, I find the bids expensive. You see, these bids are usually available in bid packs. In the US, one bid costs USD0.60 and the bid packs are calculated based on this price. However, I find that the prices of bid packs in PisoBid varies. The first bid pack which includes 10 bids costs PHP300 and the fifth bid pack which includes 500 bids costs PHP3,000.

Really, this online auction isn't for the poor.

Oh well, what can I say to these people but enjoy. Enjoy bidding! In addition, I would like to give useful tips on how to be a smart bidder.

Tips on How to Bid (Smartly) in Penny Auction Sites

• Before bidding, be aware of terms and policies including the rules and regulations of auction site. Reading these materials can guide you into what to expect in the ongoing auctions. Plus, you can also create a strategy for an effective bidding (and eventually winning) by going over the rules of the site.

• Make sure to have your research first. Read forums, Facebook pages and blogs before buying bids from the auction site. If they'll give you free bids, use them first and see if you like their bidding system.

• Do not buy bids more than you actually can. If you're on a tight budget, don't try buying 1000's of bids just because you want to save (or so you thought you can save).

• Create a threshold of how much you can spend on these auction sites. By doing so, you can control your spending habits and be able to avoid overspending.

• Lastly, choose a good time of the day (or night) when bidding. Bidding on these auction sites can take more time than you can imagine. Make sure that you're not in the middle of your work when you bid!

On Spending Habits and Living A Frugal Life

Today is one of those days that I have spent rather extravagantly for myself. Usually, I spend my money on food and on other people. And right now, I don't know whether to feel guilty about spending for myself or not.

Some people would say that it's okay to spend more in a while, while some would not, for sure. But still, the fact that we must live a frugal life is essential during these hard times in our country. We need to save in order to get away from what they call "rat race".

Probably, you've heard the phrase "rat race" before. Rat race is the race where nobody wins. The idea is gotten from a guinea pig running inside a wheel on an experiment. And in the professional world, these "rats" are compared to employees. These employees are usually working from 8AM to 5PM. Yes, they are working hard to earn a minimum of P400 ($10) per day.

An image on the Internet that has captured my attention.

Some are lucky to be promoted and have a raise. But what if you're not that lucky? Or better yet, do you want to spend your life running the rat race?

Of course, the answer is a big NO. With this answer, why do you think there are still several employees aged 40's and above?

To answer that, think about this when you're living independently as an example. Of course, you've got to pay for food, utility bills, and maybe even credit card dues every month. And what more if you already have a family to feed?

With so many bills to pay, people seem to have no choice but to continue running in the rat race. Probably, they are thinking that they are not lucky to become intelligent enough to be a millionaire or win the lotto draw.

But as you see, living a frugal life is the answer. It can free you from the rat race. Save your money and accumulate it. Start small but think big. This is the key to being "lucky".

And though I'm still starting small today, I'm already thinking big. Likewise, I'm also challenging myself to live a frugal life. How about you?

Get FREE P100 Globe Load Through BPI Mobile Banking

Recently, I've received a text from BPI that they are giving away FREE P100 Globe load once you use BPI Mobile Banking feature on Globe to load your own mobile number and/or any Globe/TM subscriber. Isn't that great news for Globe subscribers and BPI account holders?

How to Load Using BPI Mobile Banking

I've been using BPI Mobile Banking to load my Globe mobile phone and transfer cash from my BPI savings account to GCash since last year. It's during those times when I'm in the middle of something that I cannot leave, have zero load balance and need to text someone urgently.

It's really handy, so let me show you how to load through BPI Mobile Banking.

Step 1 - Register or enroll your Globe prepaid number in the BPI Mobile Banking feature.

• Just type "ENROLL <Your BPI Account#> <Your Joint Account Indicator>" and send to 2274. Your two-digit JAI can be found at the front of your card, right across your name. Sample: ENROLL 0123456789 01.
• Activate your enrollment in any BPI ATM within 5 days. On the main menu, select Special Services > Activate Enrollments > Express Connect - SMS Enrollment.
• Wait for a text confirmation containing your six-digit Mobile PIN. Please make sure to change your MPIN immediately. To change, text CHG <Current MPIN> <New MPIN> to 2274.

Note: You may also download the BPI Mobile Banking Menu on your phone. Access Globe Services on your Globe sim and activate the BPI menu and add it myFavorites.

Step 2 - From the BPI Mobile Banking menu, select Reload and enter your MPIN.

Step 3 - Select Globe or TM depending on the network of the recipient of the load is subscribe to.

Step 4 - Choose the desired amount to be loaded to the Globe/TM mobile phone.

Step 5 - Enter your BPI Account#. Key in <SA for Savings account or CA for Current Checking Account><Last four (4) digits of your BPI Account#>. Sample: SA6789

Step 6 - Enter the number of the recipient. It can be your own mobile number.

Wait for the confirmation from BPI and Globe that you have successfully transferred or loaded credits to your mobile phone from your BPI account. Your account will be debited a banking fee of P15 or 1% of amount loaded, whichever is higher. Learn more about BPI Mobile Banking.

In addition, make sure to take advantage of the BPI promo and get FREE P100 Globe load once you load any Globe/TM number using BPI Mobile Banking from May 16, 2011 to August 16, 2011. You will be able to receive your FREE load one week after the successful transaction.

For more info on this promo, please visit MyBPIMag and call BPI hotline 89-100.

AirPhil Express Pick-A-Fest

Are you a blogger? AirPhil Express is giving away 6 roundtrip tickets to three hotspot tourist destinations!

Three lucky bloggers, along with their chosen companions, will have a chance to witness three of the most celebrated festivals in the Philippines: MassKara Festival in Bacolod, Hermosa Festival in Zamboanga and Lanzones Festival in Camiguin.

MassKara Festival

To join this competition, here's what you need to do:

1. Choose one of the three festivals (Lanzones Festival in Camiguin, MassKara Festival in Bacolod, Hermosa Festival in Zamboanga).
2. Once you have decided, blog about your festival of choice by answering this question: Why do you want to experience and join that festival?
3. Copy-paste this text at the end of your post: "Experience MassKara Festival, Hermosa Festival and Lanzones Festival this October. Airphil Express flies daily to BACOLOD, ZAMBOANGA and CAGAYAN DE ORO from Cebu and Manila. Visit www.airphilexpress.com to book!
4. Accomplish the entry form at http://on.fb.me/pickafest

Criteria for judging are:

• - 50% - Substance
• - 30% - Style and Creativity
• - 20% - Overall Impact

Judges will be Cebu Blog Camp and AirPhil Express.

In addition to the mechanics and criteria for judging, AirPhil Express also gives limitations to the contest. Please read them carefully.

• - Participating blog must be at least 6 months old
• - Participating blog must be on Blogspot, Wordpress, Tumblr, Multiply, or self-hosted.
• - Prizes are non-transferable. The prizes must be used by the winners and their chosen companion.
• - Tickets are valid for use in October 2011 only.
• - Promo runs May 28-September 15, 2011. Deadline of submission of entries is at 11:59pm of September 15.
• - Winners will be announced on September 21
• - APX Promo terms and conditions apply.
• 
  
• Please visit AirPhil Express's Facebook page for more detailed  info.

*photo credits to bonggaba.com